Quinoa: A Quirky Name For A Heart-Healthy Food
To some, quinoa is old news. But others may not have heard of it and don't even know how to pronounce it. So let's get one thing out of the way first. It's pronounced "KEEN-wah," and with a name like that, one would pretty much expect that it's like nothing else on Earth. And it isn't.
This wondrous grain hailing from the time of the Incas boasts numerous health benefits. Unlike many other grains, quinoa is a complete source of protein, which means that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It's a boon for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike who are trying to cut down on meat in their diet.
Quinoa is also a particularly good source of manganese, iron, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium. And it is a whole grain, meaning it's an excellent source of fiber. Maintaining proper levels of magnesium in the body and eating a diet of whole grains has been shown to be an important factor in preventing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the world according to the World Health Organization, making quinoa a great addition to a heart-healthy diet.
For the meat-and-potatoes types and sweet tooths out there who may struggle with a healthier diet or think that changing their diet involves ingesting bland, uninspiring food, this will hopefully change their minds. After all, what use is a healthy meal if all it makes someone want to do is run out and get an artery-clogging hamburger afterward? Success is the ultimate motivator. So give these recipes for good, honest food a good, honest try. You may like what you eat.
Quinoa with Feta, Cilantro, and Hearts of Palm Recipe
My avocado- and meat-loving boyfriend's response to this dish? "Babe, you killed it..."
— Yasmin Fahr
Quinoa with Mustard Greens and Chickpeas Recipe
Lemon-tahini dressing adds an extra dimension of flavor to this delicious meal...
— Kath Younger
This spin on the classic Middle Eastern salad, "tabbouleh," swaps traditionally used bulgur wheat for nutritional, superstar quinoa...
— Erika Lenkert
Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes, Walnuts, and Raisins Recipe
This is an easy quinoa salad that showcases one of my favorite ingredients: the sweet potato...
— Ashley Fahr
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets, Chickpeas, Baby Spinach, and Orange Recipe
This is a totally vegan quinoa salad recipe, but if you enjoy a little goat cheese now and then, I think this salad would be delightful with a crumble of fresh, organic goat cheese...
— Karina Allrich
Warm Quinoa Salad with Orange-Blossom Vinaigrette Recipe
A healthy salad from chef Ray Garcia, created in part for Fig Restaurant's collaboration with Exhale Spa (also located inside the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows) in Los Angeles...
— Yasmin Fahr
Quinoa with Swiss Chard and Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
This quinoa salad is versatile and refreshing...
— Kath Younger